There was Chennapattanam and then there was Madras.
About 357 years later, in 1996, she became Chennai. And whatever she may be called 378 years from now, she will always remain the "Queen of the Coromandel"!
Come wander around this blog. It will give you a peek into her soul!!

Monday, January 2, 2012

Forgotten pedestal

Few people know why Cenotaph Road is called so; fewer still would have had the patience to figure out where the components of the cenotaph are located today.

The original cupola, housing the statue of the 1st Marquess Cornwallis, remains untraceable. It's last shelter is now outside, on the grounds of the Fort St George, while the statue itself frowns imperiously on the visitors entering the Fort Museum. The base of the statue has this description of why it was erected. Maybe it is still not in tune with the wishes of Chennai's citizens, but Cenotaph Road has been spared the spate of renaming that the city's roads have been subjected to... and has remained the same for over 211 years, now!

I am a Chennaite plus my fore fathers too. Your blog seems Interesting and i have gone through it a bit and parcel now. I will read all the rest and willing to follow your articles which are about to come. I must appreciate your passion on Chennai and its bygone monuments. I will get it touch with you. If time permits i will meet you some time!Regards,yozenbalki,www.yozenmind.com

I used to stay at 23, Cenotaph road for close to 8 years and never knew why it was called so. And the best part is that I simply cherished the Cornwallis statue which is beneath the stairs in the Fort Musuem. Its absolutely thrilling to know they both are so well connected. Great way to trace back to history.